Middlesex Water Company (MSEX)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
MSEX
Middlesex Water Company
$55.38
-1.49%
UTILITIES · Cap: $1.06B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$42.27
-0.87%
UTILITIES · Cap: $11.17B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essential Utilities Inc generates 1146% more annual revenue ($2.57B vs $206.14M). MSEX leads profitability with a 23.3% profit margin vs 21.6%. WTRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.59. MSEX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
MSEX
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
WTRG
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-20.9%
Fair Value
$42.78
Current Price
$55.38
$12.60 premium
Margin of Safety
+44.8%
Fair Value
$67.77
Current Price
$42.27
$25.50 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 34.4%
Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 31.6% YoY
Strong operational efficiency at 35.4%
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
3.1% revenue growth
ROE of 7.9% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MSEX
The strongest argument for MSEX centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.3% and operating margin at 34.4%. Revenue growth of 14.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : WTRG
The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.6% and operating margin at 35.4%.
Bear Case : MSEX
The primary concerns for MSEX are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MSEX profiles as a mature stock while WTRG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
MSEX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.73 — expect wider price swings.
MSEX is growing revenue faster at 14.3% — sustainability is the question.
MSEX generates stronger free cash flow (-4M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MSEX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 23.3% margins and 14.3% revenue growth. WTRG offers better value entry with a 44.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Middlesex Water Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
Middlesex Water Company owns and operates regulated water and wastewater utility systems. The company is headquartered in Iselin, New Jersey.
Visit Website →Essential Utilities Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
Essential Utilities, Inc. operates regulated utilities that provide water, wastewater, or natural gas services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER Stocks
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